Every year on the last night before winter starts, Iranians around the world celebrate Shab-e-Yalda, or Yalda, the winter solstice. It literally translates to "Night of Birth" and is celebrated on the longest night of the year. It is the time to commemorate the triumph of Mithra , the Sun God, over darkness. Not only has it become a significant cultural celebration, but it is part of Iranian tradition where evil will run havoc on the longest night of the year. People gather to be together until evil is gone. According to ancient belief, when the sun rises, the light shines and goodness prevails. Have you ever heard of this celebration?

Yalda is a feast for the eyes, and taste buds. Iranian food is flavorful, colorful and always beautifully presented, as Iranians take great pride in the beauty of their food. Many of their dishes are stews served over rice, and features the flavors of saffron, nigella seeds, cardamom, turmeric, dried raisins, eggplant, and rosewater. Have you ever eaten at an Iranian restaurant or eaten traditional Iranian food?

Iranians believe those who begin winter by eating summer fruits would not fall ill during the cold season, especially eating watermelon and pomegranates. The color of the above fruits symbolize the cycle and glow of life. Iranians also arrange a mixture of 7 ingredients ("Ajil"): a composition of dates, pistachio, nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, grapes and dry berries. These mixtures symbolize prosperity. Do you enjoy learning about different cultures?

In Iran, the Islamic Regime actively bans Yalda celebrations from taking place, because according to them, it goes against Islam. Despite this official disapproval, the festival is a deeply rooted and cherished part of Iranian cultural identity and is widely celebrated by most Iranian people, often in defiance of the regime. Yalda, like all of the Iranian holidays is deeply rooted in nature and peace, which is completely contradictory to the Islamic Regime's fanaticism. Iranian people hold huge Yalda celebrations in the streets, singing, dancing and celebrating in open defiance of the regime. Do you admire these people for continuing their cultural celebrations, even when it is banned?